What An IEP Entails and How To Tell If Your Child Needs One
Learn if your child qualifies for an IEP. This guide covers the eligibility criteria, parental participation, the IEP process, and how to challenge evaluations.
Protecting the Rights and Future of Minors Facing Criminal Charges
At The Law Offices of Sears and Sears P.C, our attorneys have dedicated their careers to defending the rights of juvenile defendants. We understand the gravity of a child’s arrest and the impact it can have on the entire family. We are committed to ensuring that your child’s rights are protected and upheld throughout the legal process. Our attorneys possess a wealth of knowledge in the laws and procedures specific to juvenile cases, which we will utilize to develop the strongest defense possible for your child.
We will work to advocate for the most favorable outcome for your child. The outcome of the case can vary depending on the specific crime, age, and prior arrests of your child, but we will do everything in our power to minimize the penalties and help your child move forward with their life. We will fight for alternative dispositions, such as diversion programs or community service, that can help your child avoid a criminal record and take responsibility for their actions while avoiding long-term consequences.
Navigating the legal system can be confusing and stressful, especially when it comes to your child’s future. Our attorneys will be available to answer any questions you may have, and provide guidance and support throughout the entire process. With representation by an experienced juvenile defense firm such as The Law Offices of Sears and Sears P.C, you can have peace of mind that your child’s case will be handled with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome.
Age can play a crucial role in determining how a case is handled. If your child is an older teenager or has committed a serious crime, there is a possibility that they may be tried as an adult. The decision to try a juvenile as an adult is not made lightly by the court, and various factors such as the specific crime, prior criminal history, and age are taken into consideration.
Our attorneys will work closely with you and your child to develop a defense strategy that takes the possibility of adult prosecution into account. We will do our best to arrange diversion programs or plea agreements to lessen any penalties your child may face. If you believe that your child could be in danger of being tried as an adult, do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Sears and Sears P.C. You can trust our experienced attorneys to handle your child’s case with the ultimate goal of achieving the best possible outcome.
The arrest and subsequent criminal record of a juvenile can have serious implications for their future, including education and career opportunities. Juvenile records must be ‘sealed’ in order for them to not appear in background check databases. Our attorneys can help you with this process to protect your child’s future.
Additionally, if your child is at risk of being expelled from school due to the arrest, our firm can guide you through the process of negotiating with school officials. While outcomes vary based on state laws and school policies, our attorneys will advocate on your child’s behalf to minimize educational disruptions and safeguard their academic future.
In certain professions, even sealed records may be accessible, particularly for positions in law enforcement, the military, or government roles requiring security clearance. We will work with you to understand these implications and take steps to protect your child’s future to the fullest extent possible.
Juvenile court is a court of law that deals with legal matters involving minors, typically those who are under the age of 18. Juvenile court is different from regular court in several ways: The focus of juvenile court is on rehabilitation and addressing the underlying issues that led to the child’s involvement in the legal system, rather than punishment. The proceedings in juvenile court are typically closed to the public, and the records are not typically accessible to the public. Juvenile court cases do not result in a conviction, but rather a finding of delinquency. Juvenile court cases are heard by a judge rather than a jury.
Whether or not your child will be prosecuted as an adult depends on the laws in your state and the severity of the crime. Your child may be transferred to adult court if they are charged with a serious crime and/or they are near the age of 18, or if they have prior convictions (findings of delinquency) in juvenile court. The decision to try a juvenile as an adult is not common, but can happen in certain scenarios. Our attorneys can assist you in evaluating your child’s case and determining if there is a risk of adult prosecution.
Whether your child will end up in juvenile detention depends on the outcome of the case and the decision of the judge. The judge may order a variety of dispositions, such as probation, community service, or placement in a juvenile detention facility.
As a parent, you may be held liable for damages caused by your child under a legal principle known as parental liability. The laws regarding parental liability vary by state, but in general, parents can be held liable for damages caused by their child if they are found to have been negligent in supervising or controlling the child.
This means if the parents knew, or should have known, that the child was likely to cause damage and did not take reasonable steps to prevent it, they could be held liable for the damages caused. States have different laws on how much a parent is responsible for financially when it comes to their child’s actions. Some states have a cap on the amount a parent can be held liable for, and some states also have exemptions for low-income parents.
Request a free consultation and our attorneys will provide expert legal advice for your situation, or click below to read our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), and see if your questions are answered there.
Learn if your child qualifies for an IEP. This guide covers the eligibility criteria, parental participation, the IEP process, and how to challenge evaluations.
Learn how IEPs function, the importance of personalized goals, and strategies to ensure your child's unique educational needs are met.
Explore the Supreme Court's "Endrew F." ruling on the IDEA Act. It redefines FAPE, and requires schools to individualize special education programs.
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Sears Building, 5809 Feldspar Way, Hoover, AL 35244